DepEd: “No Collection Policy” in Public Schools Still in Effect

The Department of Education (DepEd) reminded all school authorities
that collection of any fees during enrolment and the first days of class is strictly prohibited.

“We call on all teachers and school officials to see to it that we do not refuse a single
student who wants to enrol. We strongly remind them that we do not collect any fees
as a requirement for enrolment,” Education Secretary Br.Armin A. Luistro said.

The education chief added that certain contributions in public schools, while
authorized by DepEd, do not mean that they are compulsory. “These contributions
remain voluntary,” Luistro stressed.

DepEd re-issued this call to teachers, school officials and parents to encourage the
community to bring all school-aged children to school.

“Let me be clear on this: in no case shall non-payment of voluntary school
contributions or membership fees be made a basis for non-admission, non-promotion
or non-issuance of clearance to a student. And that includes withholding of school
cards,“ Luistro emphasized.

The fees which are authorized but not compulsory include Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts
membership fees, Philippine National Red Cross, Anti-TB fund, school publication fee,
and Parents Teachers Association fee.

Based on DepEd Order 41 series of 2012, which remains in effect, Luistro has
directed all school officals that no fees shall be collected from school children in
kindergarten up to Grade 4 anytime during school year. For Grade 5 pupils up to
fourth year high school students, there will be no collection from June to July.

However, starting August this year until the end of school year, the following fees may
be collected on a voluntary basis: Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts membership fees of
P50 per learner ; Philippine National Red Cross, P35 per learner; Anti-TB fund drive of
P5 per learner; school publication fee of P60 for every elementary pupils and P90 for
every high school student. The Parents-Teachers Association fee must be reasonable
and is to be determined during the PTA general assembly.

The PTA can only collect contributions starting August and only after presenting to the
PTA members and to the school head/principal report on the utilization of previous
school year’s collections and the school year proposed budget with program of activies.

“School fees should not intimidate parents into bringing their children to school
that is why I urge all school officials to strictly observe these guidelines or face
administrative sanctions,” Luistro said, adding that PTA fees, even though approved
by a majority of PTA members, still remain voluntary.

DepEd Assistant Secretary Jesus Mateo emphasized that the Philippine Government
provides basic education free of charge to all citizens. He said, “Schools are not
allowed to turn away students. Only in extreme cases of overpopulation can they do it.
In such cases, some schools will opt for Alternative Delivery Modes (ADMs).”

“Our public assistance station has received as total of 63 queries since Monday,
some of them regarding compulsory contributions. In these cases, our team calls
the schools and finds out the details. If the schools violate our strict prohibition on
collection of fees, our legal department will send them a warning,” Mateo said.
Mateo encouraged the parents to contact the DepEd public assistance station for any
complaints, concerns, and questions at 636-1669, 633-1942, 0919-456-0027, and
through action@deped.gov.ph.

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